Join us on Indigenous People's Day to bear witness and learn from the plight, fight and insight of the Shinnecock Nation. Like other indigenous communities throughout New York State and North America, the Shinnecock are disproportionately impacted by the intersecting evils of poverty, systemic racism, environmental devastation, militarism/colonialism, and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism. They are also engaged in an ongoing struggle to defend their sovereignty and land rights. On October 11 we'll come together virtually to hear testimony on the impact of these injustices, how the community is organizing in response, and how we can act in solidarity to build a world that reflects our values. The event will also feature music and remarks from Poor People’s Campaign national co-chairs, Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II and Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis.

Co-sponsors: Padoquohan Medicine Lodge; Kairos Center for Rights, Religions and Social Justice; New York State Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival

Background on Truth Commission Project

In 2017, Labor-Religion Coalition organized a Truth Commission on Poverty in New York State that collected testimony from directly impacted New Yorkers, advocates, direct service providers, faith leaders and policy experts. The Truth Commission showed the prevalence and systemic nature of poverty across our state; the interconnection of struggles around housing, low-wage jobs, systemic racism, food insecurity, and more; and the need for a social movement that unites those most impacted to win transformative change.

Five years later, organizing through the Poor People’s Campaign and other efforts in New York have taken significant steps forward, while at the same time the moral and economic crises of system racism, poverty, militarism and ecological devastation have deepened - especially in the wake of COVID-19. In 2021-2022 Labor-Religion Coalition will hold another series of Truth Commissions to highlight the continuing crisis of poverty, amplify the demands put forward by directly impacted communities, and help connect leaders and groups representing different identities, issues and regions of New York. We know there are many more stories to be told, wisdom to be shared, and leaders to unite as we continue to build a moral fusion movement in New York.